Midland is located in northeastern
Midland County. It was first settled by John A. Whitman, who began a
farm here in 1836. Located at the mouth of the Chippewa River which
enters into the Tittabawassee River, this city originally grew as a
strategic distribution point for floating wood during the late 1800ís
lumbering boom. Later, Herbert H. Dow started the Brine & Salt Works,
which later became Dow Chemical Company, currently the cityís largest
business.

Today, Midland thrives as a diverse economic and cultural center, and
remains the county seat. The fieldstone courthouse downtown is truly one
of Michiganís architectural wonders, not to mention the "Tridge," a
triple-sectioned walking bridge in City Park, spanning the junction of
the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers. Midland is also part of the Pere
Marquette Rails-To-Trails State Park, which makes it a great spot for
bicycling, with the trail currently paved 35 miles westward to
Coleman. Midland also has a great downtown, with many specialty
shops and restaurants, all along a beautiful bricked sidewalk. Come and
make a day of it in Midland, and youíll be coming back again!

Photos courtesy of: Ken Huisjen

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